Why Is It Important to Visit a Podiatrist in an Elderly Age
Your body changes with time - muscles and bones shift, ligaments loosen, and circulation may slow. Unfortunately, the aging process has an impact on our feet as well.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, by the age of 50, the majority of us will have walked 75,000 miles, and after a lifetime of supporting and carrying our weight, it's no wonder that our feet require some additional TLC in our senior years. To preserve an active lifestyle and independence in your senior years, you should see a podiatrist near me on a regular basis.
Common Foot Conditions Among Seniors
When you see a podiatrist in your senior years, they will do a comprehensive foot exam to look for any symptoms of damage or significant changes. Some of the most prevalent disorders that can be identified and treated are:
Bunions
Bunions grow throughout time, so you're more likely to have them as you become older. Usually, they are caused by internal pressure on your big toe joint. And, while it is typically a congenital issue, years of wearing pinching shoes or your favorite high heels may result in huge, painful bunions in your silver or golden years;
Dry skin, corns, and calluses
As you age, your body's cells have a harder difficulty retaining moisture. As a result, your foot skin may dry up, leaving you open to bleed-inducing fissures, particularly around your heels. Getting guidance with a healthy moisturizing regimen can help protect your skin and prevent infections from developing. Corns and calluses can form as a result of repetitive pressure or friction on the skin. A podiatrist can advise you on the style of shoes that will prevent friction and pressure, as well as if padding or other support should be added;
Ingrown toenails with fungal infections
As you age, it may become difficult to trim your toenails, resulting in an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toenail increases your risk of infection. In addition to treating the ingrown toenail, a podiatrist will give advice for proper toenail trimming procedures and, if necessary, aid with toenail trimming services. To help avoid fungal illnesses like athlete's foot, they'll teach you how to care for your feet properly;
Hammertoes
This is a toe malformation that occurs when your weakening toe muscles alter your body's physical structure. With this condition, your toe may seem crooked, with the toe joint protruding significantly. Aging can increase your chance of developing hammertoes since your muscles weaken over time, putting additional strain on your toe's supporting components;
Arthritis
Arthritis can be an age-related condition. And, because your foot contains 33 joints, you are extremely likely to get arthritis symptoms in your foot and ankle. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis is untreatable. However, with early management and continuous monitoring, you can halt its growth and maintain your mobility;
Diabetes-related problems
Diabetes affects the entire body, but it is particularly harsh on the feet. If you have diabetes or believe you have it, we will thoroughly examine your feet for sores that are not healing as well as a loss of sensation in your feet. When you have diabetes, it's critical to address any foot issues before they worsen.
Heel pain
Changes in your ligaments, tendons, and muscles can all have an impact on your plantar fascia as we age. That's the band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to the bottom of your foot. The plantar fascia can be strained as a result of several stimuli that cause inflammation. You may then get plantar fasciitis. If you come in early, it can typically be treated with minimally invasive procedures.
Injuries
As we age, injuries to our feet and ankles become more difficult to detect, and even tiny cuts or blisters can become serious medical issues. Your feet need to be examined for wounds, bruises, swelling, and any other injuries that may have been overlooked;
Footwear
As we age, our feet get flatter and longer as our ligaments and tendons relax. A podiatrist may assess your present footwear to see whether it is providing adequate support for your feet and propose the appropriate sort of orthotics to support your foot's structure.
The bottom line
Growing older requires changes, but those changes do not have to result in foot discomfort. While your foot structures may alter with time, with assistance, early intervention, and consultations with a podiatrist, you may prevent such changes from limiting your mobility or quality of life.
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